A client with osteoarthritis complains of stiffness in the affected joint, especially after periods of inactivity.
What education should the nurse provide to address this symptom?

Advise the client to perform high-impact aerobic exercises.

Recommend applying ice packs to the affected joint regularly.

Encourage the client to keep the joint immobile to prevent further stiffness.

Instruct the client on gentle range-of-motion exercises.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Advising the client to perform high-impact aerobic exercises is not appropriate for someone with osteoarthritis, especially if they complain of stiffness.

High-impact exercises can place excessive stress on the affected joints and worsen symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Recommending ice packs to the affected joint regularly may temporarily reduce inflammation and provide relief, but it does not address the issue of stiffness or promote joint flexibility.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to keep the joint immobile to prevent further stiffness is not the best approach.

Immobilization can lead to joint contractures and loss of range of motion.

It's important to promote gentle movement and flexibility exercises to manage stiffness in osteoarthritis.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the client on gentle range-of-motion exercises is the most appropriate education to address stiffness in osteoarthritis.

These exercises can help maintain joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve overall joint function.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Blood clot formation is not a common complication of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis primarily affects the joints and cartilage, not the vascular system.

Choice B rationale:

Muscle atrophy can occur in individuals with advanced osteoarthritis, especially if joint pain and stiffness limit physical activity.

However, it is not a direct complication of the condition itself.

Choice C rationale:

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, can develop as a complication of osteoarthritis.

These bony outgrowths can form in response to ongoing joint damage and cartilage breakdown.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory distress is not a typical complication of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis primarily affects the musculoskeletal system, and respiratory problems are unrelated to the condition.

Questions

A. Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. B. Encouraging weight loss and a healthy diet to reduce stress on joints. C. Recommending physical therapy to improve joint flexibility and strength. D. Suggesting the use of opioid medications for long-term pain management. E. Advising the patient to avoid all physical activity to prevent joint damage.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief is a suitable intervention for managing osteoarthritis.

NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation in affected joints.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging weight loss and a healthy diet to reduce stress on joints is a valid intervention.

Excess weight is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis, and weight loss can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Choice C rationale:

Recommending physical therapy to improve joint flexibility and strength is a beneficial intervention for managing osteoarthritis.

Physical therapy can help patients maintain joint function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.

Choice D rationale:

Suggesting the use of opioid medications for long-term pain management is not typically the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis.

Opioids are associated with significant risks and should only be considered when other pain management strategies have been ineffective or when the pain is severe and disabling.

Choice E rationale:

Advising the patient to avoid all physical activity to prevent joint damage is not a suitable intervention.

While some modifications to physical activity may be necessary for individuals with osteoarthritis, complete avoidance of physical activity can lead to muscle weakness and decreased joint mobility, which can worsen the condition.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client with osteoarthritis complains of stiffness in the affected joint, especially after periods of inactivity.What education should the nurse provide to address this symptom?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client newly diagnosed with osteoarthritis expresses concern about potential complications.Which complication should the nurse explain as a result of osteoarthritis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

(Select all that apply):A nurse is assessing a patient with osteoarthritis.Which interventions should the nurse consider for managing this patient's condition? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A client with osteoarthritis inquires about the pathophysiology of the condition.Which statement accurately describes the initial process of osteoarthritis development?

A nurse is educating a group of elderly patients about osteoarthritis.Which statement by the nurse accurately explains a risk factor associated with osteoarthritis?

(Select all that apply): A nurse is discussing prevention strategies for osteoarthritis with a group of clients. Which strategies should the nurse include in the discussion?

(Select all that apply): A nurse is caring for a patient with osteoarthritis. Which nursing assessments should be included in the plan of care for this patient? Select all that apply.

A nurse is assessing a patient with osteoarthritis.The patient reports joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.What nursing intervention is appropriate for this patient?

A client with osteoarthritis asks the nurse about the primary treatment options.What should the nurse include in the response?

A client with osteoarthritis expresses concern about joint deformity.What can the nurse say to address this concern?

A client with osteoarthritis experiences crepitus, a grinding or cracking sensation when moving the joint.What nursing action is appropriate for this client?

A client with osteoarthritis complains of stiffness in the affected joint, especially after periods of inactivity.
What education should the nurse provide to address this symptom?